[18F] Experiencing hand tremors, nausea, and blurry vision

Patient Description

An 18-year-old female presents with sudden onset of hand tremors, nausea, and blurry vision. The tremors are persistent at rest and exacerbated by overthinking, but seem to improve with distraction. The nausea is described as a weird feeling in the stomach and chest, with a severity of 5 out of 10, and the vision is slightly out of focus. The patient reports heavy breathing and chest tightness, as well as a racing heart. There is no history of similar episodes, no known allergies, or pre-existing conditions. The patient's mother has a history of anxiety, and the patient recently consumed an energy drink. Current medications include vitamins and probiotics, with unspecified types and doses. No chest pain, severe headache, or difficulty breathing were reported. The patient denies the use of recreational drugs, alcohol, or caffeine other than the mentioned energy drink.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, there are a few possible explanations:

  • Anxiety or Panic Attack: You mentioned that your symptoms seem to worsen when you're overthinking and improve when you're distracted. This, combined with your symptoms of shaking, nausea, blurry vision, heavy breathing, chest tightness, and heart racing, could suggest an anxiety or panic attack. These symptoms can be very scary, but they're not usually harmful. Your family history of anxiety could also be relevant here.

    • Treatment typically involves cognitive-behavioral therapy and, in some cases, medication.
  • Hyperthyroidism: This is a condition where your thyroid gland produces too much thyroid hormone. This can cause symptoms like shaking, heart racing, and feeling hot. Your age and sex make this a possibility, although it's less likely given your other symptoms.

    • Treatment typically involves medication to reduce thyroid hormone production.
  • Side effects from energy drink: Energy drinks can sometimes cause symptoms like shaking, heart racing, nausea, and anxiety, especially in people who are not used to consuming them. This could be a possibility given your recent consumption of an energy drink.

    • Treatment involves avoiding energy drinks and other high-caffeine products.

What you can do

  1. Try to stay calm. I know this is easier said than done, but try to focus on your breathing. Take slow, deep breaths in through your nose, hold for a few seconds, and then exhale slowly through your mouth. This can help to slow your heart rate and reduce feelings of anxiety.
  2. Avoid caffeine and other stimulants. These can worsen your symptoms.
  3. Seek help from a healthcare professional. They can provide a formal diagnosis and appropriate treatment.

What you should look out for

Please seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following:

  • Severe chest pain
  • Difficulty breathing
  • Fainting or loss of consciousness
  • Severe abdominal pain

Remember, this advice is intended to be general in nature, and specific causes may not apply to your personal circumstances. Always consult with a healthcare provider for appropriate examination, testing, and care recommendations.

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11 mo ago

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People Also Ask


Can energy drinks cause symptoms like tremors and a racing heart?

Yes, energy drinks can cause symptoms such as tremors, a racing heart, nausea, and anxiety, especially in individuals who are not accustomed to high caffeine intake.


What are common symptoms of an anxiety or panic attack?

Common symptoms of an anxiety or panic attack include shaking or tremors, a racing heart, chest tightness, heavy breathing, nausea, and blurry vision. These symptoms can be intense but are usually not harmful.


How can I differentiate between anxiety symptoms and a more serious condition?

Anxiety symptoms often improve with distraction and are associated with overthinking. However, if symptoms include severe chest pain, difficulty breathing, or fainting, it is important to seek immediate medical attention to rule out more serious conditions.


What are the potential side effects of consuming too much caffeine?

Potential side effects of consuming too much caffeine include increased heart rate, tremors, anxiety, nausea, and insomnia. It's important to monitor caffeine intake and be aware of how your body reacts to it.


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